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Where to Stay in Rio de Janeiro?

With a population of approximately 10 million people, Rio de Janeiro is a huge metropolis and first time visitors can find deciding where to stay a daunting prospect. Many of the city’s more luxurious, high end offerings are situated in the Zona Sul (South Zone) which is also home to many of Rio's most popular attractions and beaches including Copacabana, Leblon and Ipanema. Sugar Loaf Mountain is also in this district.There is plenty of beachfront accommodation in the area.

If you are looking for more affordable options, there are also cheap hotels and hostels within walking distance of many of the beaches if the Zona Sul. The city centre (Centro) is the city's main business district, but is also contains many historical buildings and some fascinating museums.

Many of the city’s business-class hotels can be found in the area. On the hillside, not far from the centre itself is the pleasant Santa Teresa area. There are numerous bed and breakfast options here and its cobbled streets are home to artists' galleries and offer impressive views of the city.

Rio de Janeiro Accommodation Options

There is accommodation to suit all budgets in Rio de Janeiro, from very cheap, no frills hotels and basic hostels, to luxurious townhouse accommodation and large beachfront resorts.

When demand is high, rates go up, so it is advisable to book well in advance, especially if you plan to visit during Carnaval.

For the budget conscious, the city also has numerous bed and breakfast options. Particularly popular for longer stays, due to the fact that they come with kitchen facilities, are serviced apartments, or apartment hotels. There are also all the usual chain hotels you would expect in a city of this size.

Rio de Janeiro Hotel Recommendations?

For the ultimate in luxury, you could try the Copacabana Palace. The hotel has epitomised glamour since Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers swept onto its dance floor in “Flying Down to Rio”. It has a huge swimming pool, tennis courts, spa and fitness centre.

Rooms at the Hotel Praia Ipanema offer beach and ocean views. It has a lovely pool area which also looks out to sea. The Sofitel Rio de Janeiro Copacabana is located on the beach and has two pools, a business centre and gym. All of its rooms have balconies.

Transport in Rio de Janeiro

Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport is located approximately 20kms from the city centre. Shuttle buses and taxis link the city. Rio de Janeiro has good public transport links including buses and a metro system. Taxis are an affordable way of getting around.